In brief
The long‑standing leader of Serbia, Aleksandar VuÍc, acknowledged defeat in the recently held snap parliamentary elections after student‑led protests intensified nationwide participation. Preliminary results showed a record turnout, a development many analysts linked to the grassroots movement that gained momentum following the tragic collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad. VuÍc announced his concession from the headquarters of his Serbian Progressive Party in Belgrade, signalling the end of his 12‑year rule. The victory of the student coalition could usher in a new era of political engagement and demands for accountability.
Serbia's long‑standing president Aleksandar Vu\u00cdc has conceded defeat to a student‑led protest movement in the country's snap parliamentary election.
+We still do not have final results… it is clear that we have lost these elections, the right‑wing populist leader said late on Sunday.
+Preliminary figures from Serbia's election commission indicated a record high turnout, a trend many commentators saw favoring the student movement.
+Vu\u00cdc had called the snap elections after two years of protests sparked by the tragic collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad, which killed 16 and was widely viewed as a symbol of corruption and negligence.
+The announcement was made at the headquarters of his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in the capital Belgrade.
+Celebrations erupted on Belgrade streets, with cars honking and students chanting victory.
+This breaking news story will be updated with more details shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
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